How to set parental controls on Google Play
You will need a Google account (email and password) as well as access to your child’s device.
Enabling parental controls
To begin managing your child’s experience with the Google Play app, you must enable parental controls.
To enable parental controls:
Step 1 – Click the profile picture in the top right of the screen.
Step 2 – In the menu, scroll down and select Settings.
Step 3 – In Settings, click the Family section, then select Content restrictions.
Step 4 – Turn on the toggle to enable parental controls.
Step 5 – Create a content PIN that will be used when editing parental control settings.
Step 6 – The toggle will now be blue, meaning parental controls are enabled.
Content restrictions are now enabled. You can begin making changes to what your child can access on Google Play.
Restricting Apps and games
An age restriction can be placed on all Apps & games downloads based on their PEGI rating, meaning children can only download apps that are rated as age appropriate.
To set a restriction on Apps & games:
Step 1 – On the Content restrictions screen,, click Apps & games.
Step 2 – In the Apps & games menus, select the age rating that best matches your child’s age, and then click Save to set the age restriction.
Your child’s account will now be age restricted when downloading apps and games.
Restricting Films and TV
Age restrictions can be put on films and TV, to ensure that your child only watches content that is suitable for them.
To restrict films:
Step 1 – On the Content restrictions screen screen, click Films.
Step 2 – Choose the age rating that best matches your child’s age, and click Save to confirm.
To restrict TV:
Step 1 – On the Content restrictions screen, select TV.
Step 2 – Choose the age rating that best matches your child’s age, and click Save to confirm.
Restricting Books
For books, the age restriction settings are different to apps, games, film and TV.
There is just one option available which is to restrict all sexually explicit books.
To restrict sexually explicit books:
Step 1 – On the Content restrictions screen, click Books.
Step 2 – Check the box next to Restrict sexually explicit books and then click Save to confirm your choice.
Managing spending
If your child has permission to make online purchases independently, you can set spending restrictions by downloading the following apps:
- Google Family Link: To find out more, read our Google Family Link parental control guide.
- Google Wallet: For information and support visit Manage Google Wallet for kids.
If you would like guidance on supporting your children with online spending and starting the conversation, see our guide on Online money management.
How to set parental controls on Google Play
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